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M.L. Program Committee
Minutes from meeting of 4/12/2004
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level Program Committee
Agenda
April 12, 2004
In attendance were Marie Castle-Good, Henry Coe, Sal Menzo, Scott Nicol, Michael Rafferty, Jeffrey Schumann, Rochelle Schwartz and Earle Bidwell
1. Midwinter Conference
a. A review of the midwinter conference confirmed that it was a financial success, the evaluations were very positive and the morning keynote speaker was very good. The only negative comments were relative to the luncheon speaker who was a last minute replacement, new to her position.
b. The committee enthusiastically supports moving ahead with plans for a similar conference next year with their high school colleagues. A discussion of a theme centered on commonalities found in “This We Believe, Successful Schools for Young Adolescents” and “Breaking Ranks II.”
c. It was recommended that we finalize the date, keynote speaker and other details so that registration material can go out early in the fall. Committee members can then be proactive in ensuring a strong enrollment. Another suggestion was to promote attendance by teams of middle and high school educators from the same district through a discount.
2. Teacher of the Year
a. The results of the paper screening were studied and a decision was made to invite five finalists to CAS for short interviews on May 3, 2004. The team will assemble at 1:00 and the interviews will begin at 1:30.
b. Each finalist will be asked to submit, in advance, a one to two page written reflection on his or her beliefs and experiences as a middle level educator.
c. The interview committee will consist of Sal Menzo, Marie Castle-Good, Henry Coe, Scott Nicol and Earle Bidwell. In addition, absent members of the committee will be invited to participate.
3. School of the Year
a. The results of the paper screening were studied and a decision was made to select two schools as finalists to be visited.
b. Suggested Changes in Visitation Procedure. Being sensitive to some concerns about equal time for each finalist, the times for the visits will by from 7:30 to 10:30 and from 12:15 to 3:15. The change will give each school time when school is in session and time when it is not. It will also give ample time for the committee to travel from one site to another without being rushed. After a lengthy discussion, it was concluded that additional time was not needed, but the visiting team might consider splitting up for some of the validation activities.
c. Both finalists will be visited on May 11, 2004
d. The visitation team will consist of Mike. Rafferty, Henry Coe, Rochelle Schwartz, Norma-Jean Posocco, Earle Bidwell and possibly Scott Nicol.
A decision on the need for a future meeting will be determined after the teacher and school of the year procedure is complete.
